Eleanor Boardman American film actress Date of Birth: 19.08.1898 Country: USA

1. Eleanor Boardman: A Silent Star's Journey
2. From Supporting Roles to Leading Lady
3. WAMPAS Baby Star and Rising Popularity
4. Marriage and Divorce
5. Retirement from Silent Cinema
6. Legacy and Later Years

Eleanor Boardman: A Silent Star's Journey

Eleanor Boardman was born on August 19, 1898, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her career began on stage, but after temporarily losing her voice, she turned to silent films in 1922.

From Supporting Roles to Leading Lady

After a few months of unsuccessful screen tests, Rupert Hughes noticed Boardman riding a horse and offered her a role in one of his films. Her career quickly took off, and she was named "New Face of 1922" by Goldwyn Pictures. In 1923, she landed a starring role in Hughes' comedy "Souls for Sale."

WAMPAS Baby Star and Rising Popularity

Boardman's popularity soared, and she was included in WAMPAS' "Baby Stars" promotion in 1923. She appeared in over 40 films during her career, achieving critical acclaim for her role as Mary in King Vidor's 1928 masterpiece, "The Crowd."

Marriage and Divorce

Boardman married film director King Vidor in 1926. They had two daughters, Antonia (born 1927) and Belinda (born 1930). Their marriage ended in divorce in 1931. They had planned a double wedding with John Gilbert and Greta Garbo, but Garbo canceled at the last minute.

Retirement from Silent Cinema

Unfortunately, Boardman found it difficult to transition from silent to sound films. After her performance in "The Three Cornered Hat" in 1935, she retired from acting and left Hollywood.

Legacy and Later Years

In 1980, Boardman gave an interview for Kevin Brownlow and David Gill's documentary series "Hollywood." She passed away on December 12, 1991, in Santa Barbara, California, at the age of 93. Her contributions to film earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Eleanor Boardman remains a shining example of the glamour and artistry of the silent film era.